Rail strike is announced

Southern train SUS-150225-011710001

Published:10:36Saturday 07 May 2016

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Rail passengers face more misery this month as another strike has been announced.

The planned strike action by the RMT Union members between May 10 and 13 has been cancelled, but a new 24-hour strike has been announced for Friday May 20 which will affect Southern services on a number of routes.

Southern says the RMT Union is taking strike action over its plans to “improve customer service on board trains”.

A spokesperson said, “We are urging the union to talk to us to try to find a resolution, but if the strike does happen there will be severe disruption, and those trains that do run will be very busy.

“Please check our customer advice for the RMT Union strike page on the Southern website, which will be updated regularly with the latest travel information.

“Currently, we have a high level of conductor sickness, which is causing ongoing disruption to Southern services. Please check our live information page for the latest information before travelling.”

The RMT is in dispute with the rail operator over the role of conductors and driver-only trains.

RMT members staged a 24-hour strike last week that disrupted services across southern England, and were due to walk out again next Tuesday and Thursday.

A union official said, “We realise that this dispute may be prolonged. We therefore cancel the strike action called for Tuesday May 10 to Wednesday May 11 and for Thursday May 12 to Friday May 13.

“Instead, we instruct our members to take strike action by not working any shifts that book on between 00.01 and 23.59 on Friday May 20.”

The RMT said it will be taking legal advice on the “threatening and abusive” stance the company is adopting towards union members.

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